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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
12 May 22. UK launches future military rotorcraft study. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched an effort designed to address its future military rotorcraft needs from the late 2030s.
Led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the Rotorcraft Concepts and Tactical Aviation Research effort announced on 11 May is geared at identifying concepts for future rotorcraft systems for the land and maritime environments.
“To address the future challenges of operating in complex military environments, there is a need to continue research and development of aviation concepts and technologies as the MoD looks forward to replacing a number of existing capabilities in the latter part of the 2030’s and beyond,” the Dstl said, adding that it is seeking a ‘delivery partner’ to collaborate in the development and maturation of concepts and technologies for future rotorcraft and tactical aviation in contested, degraded, and operationally-limited (CDO) environments.
(Source: Janes)
11 May 22. Countering IEDs with novel electronic technologies.
DASA is searching for Counter-IED technologies that use novel Radio Frequency (RF) techniques.
- DASA has launched a new Innovation Focus Area (IFA) called Countering IEDs by Novel Technology and Techniques.
- Seeking novel electronic technologies that can counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- Between £150k – £400k per proposal
It is vital that UK military and security users can continue to deploy new countermeasures and technologies to outpace IED threat evolution, to protect service personnel, emergency services and the public against the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
To address the UK’s need for IED threat detection, the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new IFA, Countering IEDs by Novel Technology and Techniques. This IFA aims to find and develop innovations that use either the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum or provide an understanding of the RF spectrum in order to detect and disrupt the functionality of IEDs.
Funding available
Between £150k – £400k is available per proposal for this IFA. Proposals are expected to last between 6 – 18 months, and should deliver solutions at a minimum of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 5/6.
The IFA is open for proposals now until further notice.
Have an innovation? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.
Effective IED countermeasures: Key challenges
An important part of countering an IED threat is the detection of devices along with understanding the electromagnetic environment. This will help inform situational awareness and determine threat from non-threat, and inform the configuration of other countermeasures.
What is an IED?
An IED is an explosive device fabricated in an improvised manner, but with varying degrees of professionalism. An IED typically comprises of the following component types:
- a power source
- wires
- electronic circuitry
- an explosive initiator
- an explosives charge
- shrapnel products to increase fragmentation
- trigger mechanism
- various enclosures
The trigger mechanisms used to initiate IEDs are often adapted from commercial products. Examples could include modified Radio Controlled (RC) toys or the use of communication networks.
Challenge areas
There are three challenge areas of interest for the IFA, and proposals are expected to meet at least one of the below challenges.
Challenge 1
To capture and analyse RF signals using novel spectrum survey techniques, which may include:
- signal analysis techniques and classification algorithms
- generating methods or data analysis techniques to provide an understanding of the RF environment, which can be used to inform tactical decisions.
Challenge 2
To neutralise targets in a timely and effective manner, which may include:
- novel techniques capable of countering devices that are agile across multiple frequency bands and radio access technologies
- techniques to counter multiple diverse communications links with a variety of modulation schemes and signal types simultaneously across a wide spectrum (in the order of several GHz).
Challenge 3
New or novel hardware and ancillaries (system components), which may include:
- novel antenna concepts to improve performance and lower the RF and visual signature of the service person or vehicle
- advancements in hardware design such as tuneable filters and efficient ultra-wide band amplifier designs
- optimisations in size, weight, or power, or efficiency optimisations in wideband RF signal generation technologies (in the order of several GHz)
- novel signal and data processing technologies and techniques.
Read the full competition document to learn more about the challenge areas.
Submit a proposal
If you have a solution or technology that may help us discover better ways of countering IEDs and protect service personal and the public, DASA would like to hear from you. Read the full competition document to submit a proposal.
Submit a proposal: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-and-security-accelerator-dasa-open-call-for-innovation/open-call-innovation-focus-areas#IFA034 (Source: US DoD)
12 May 22. Simpler, more flexible and transparent procurement.
Procurement Bill factsheet.
The Bill will replace the current bureaucratic and process-driven EU regime for public procurement by:
- Creating a simpler and more flexible, commercial system that better meets our country’s needs while remaining compliant with our international obligations.
- Opening up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises so that they can compete for and win more public contracts.
- Embedding transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle so that the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised.
The main benefits of the Bill are:
Taking back control of public money – The EU has four regimes for procurement. Having left, we can now replace this with a single regime for everything from paperclips to tanks, reducing administrative costs and driving up competition.
Slashing red tape and driving innovation – More than 350 complicated and bureaucratic rules govern public spending in the EU. Removing these and creating more sensible rules will not only reduce costs for businesses and the public sector, but also drive innovation by allowing buyers to tailor procurement to their exact needs, building in new stages such as demonstrations and testing prototypes.
Making it easier to do business with the public sector – The Bill will create a single digital platform for suppliers to register their details that can be used for all bids, while a single central transparency platform will allow suppliers to see all opportunities in once place. This will accelerate spending with SMEs, who will also benefit from prompt payment terms on a much broader range of contracts.
Levelling up the UK – While value for money will be the highest priority in procurement, the Bill will require buyers to take account of national strategic priorities such as job creation potential, improving supplier resilience and tackling climate change. Buyers will also be able to reserve competitions for contracts below a certain threshold for UK suppliers, SMEs and social enterprises.
Taking tougher action on underperforming suppliers – The Bill will put in place a new exclusions framework that will make it easier to exclude suppliers who have underperformed on other contracts. It will also create a new ‘debarment register’, accessible to all public sector organisations, which will list companies who should be excluded from contracts.
Creating an open and transparent system – The Bill will deliver a stepchange in transparency and openness, with notices mandated for direct awards and publication requirements extended from planning to termination, including contract performance. A single central platform for contract data will give everyone access to procurement information, strengthening the new Procurement Review Unit’s ability to investigate concerns around both awards and transparency.
Effective crisis procurement – The Bill will introduce new competition processes for emergency buying, reducing the reliance on direct awards while retaining the ability to act at pace in times of crisis.
Delivering better value for money – Supported by greater transparency and a bespoke approach to procurement, the Bill will provide greater flexibility for buyers and allow more opportunities to negotiate with suppliers.
Protecting national security – The Bill includes provisions to exclude suppliers from defence and security tenders if they present a risk to national security, secure value for money, as well as providing flexibility for contracts to be upgraded to refresh technology and avoid gaps in capability.
Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “Freeing businesses from the straightjacket of complicated rules and red tape was one of the key reasons that the British public voted to leave the EU. Now that we’re out, we can create a simpler and more transparent system that promotes competition among businesses and reassures taxpayers that every penny of their money is well spent.”
Key facts
- At some £300bn, public procurement accounts for around a third of all public expenditure every year and is the largest area of public spending.
- The new regime will maintain compliance with our international obligations including the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Government Procurement, which gives British businesses guaranteed access to £1.3trn in public procurement opportunities overseas. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
09 May 22. Defence contracts of over £2bn have been awarded to begin the third major phase of the Dreadnought submarine nuclear deterrent programme. Defence contracts worth more than £2bn have been awarded to BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce to begin the third major phase of the future submarine nuclear deterrent programme – Dreadnought.
With the overall programme supporting around 30,000 jobs across the UK, from design through to build, Delivery Phase 3 (DP3) represents the most significant stage of the Dreadnought programme so far. In 2021 alone, it supported around 13,500 jobs in the Northwest of England and a further 16,300 over the rest of the UK, making a significant contribution to the Government’s levelling-up agenda.
The investment is the latest financial commitment between the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, and is the initial investment within a planned overall total of nearly £10 bn for the whole delivery phase.
DP3 will see the first of four submarines, HMS Dreadnought, exit the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard to begin sea trials, laying the foundation to sustain the Continuous at Sea Deterrence (CASD) for as long as the international security situation makes it necessary.
Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin said:
The Dreadnought Class will be crucial to maintaining and safeguarding our national security, with the nuclear deterrent protecting every UK citizen from the most extreme threats, every minute of every day.
Designed in the UK, built in the UK and supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the UK, the Dreadnought programme is a leading example of our commitment to defence manufacturing and will continue to boost British industry for decades to come.
The Dreadnought programme also brings huge benefits to the BAE Systems’ Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge, based at the Barrow-in-Furness site. Opened in 2018, the academy is currently training more than 1,050 apprentices and graduates, with a further 230 craft apprentices, 110 degree apprentices and 90 graduates set to join this year.
Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines, Steve Timms said: “We take great pride in designing and delivering one of the world’s most advanced engineering programmes and helping to protect national security. Today’s funding announcement allows us to maintain the Dreadnought programme’s progress and continue investing in the infrastructure and skills needed to deliver these highly complex submarines to the Royal Navy.”
The Dreadnought Class will be one of the most complex machines ever built and it will operate in one of the most hostile environments on the planet.
As the largest Class of submarine ever built for the Royal Navy, each will boast 26.4 miles of pipework and more than 20,000 cables stretching 215 miles – further than travelling between London and Leeds.
President of Rolls-Royce Submarines, Steve Carlier said:
Since 1969, Rolls-Royce has proudly provided the nuclear power and expertise that keeps the UK’s continuous nuclear deterrent at sea. This latest contract is a welcome sign of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Submarines Enterprise and all the jobs around the UK that support it.
The four Dreadnought-Class submarines, each the length of three Olympic swimming pools, will maintain the CASD, responsible for safeguarding our national security and way of life, as long as the international security situation makes it necessary.
First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key said: “We welcome the faith shown in the Royal Navy and our people that submarines remain the optimum means of securely deploying the independent nuclear deterrent. This investment will enable the transition from the Vanguard to Dreadnought-class submarines – an enormous challenge, and one we in the Royal Navy willingly accept. We have provided over fifty years of unbroken Continuous At Sea Deterrence and we will ensure that the Royal Navy provides the ultimate guarantee of security for the United Kingdom for the next five decades and beyond.”
Looking ahead, a £16 contract has been awarded to Raytheon UK for the Dreadnought crew training at HM Naval Base Clyde. This will see more high-quality jobs being based on the Clyde, further highlighting the importance of the base and the Dreadnought programme to Scotland and the defence of the UK and its allies.
Chief Executive of Raytheon UK, Jeff Lewis said: “This contract is for a truly transformative submarine training solution and builds on the success that we have had to date in transforming the Royal Navy’s training and learning solutions. Our collaborative working culture and experience in managing large and complex training programmes will help equip the Royal Navy with a training capability that underpins the cornerstone of the UK’s strategic defence capability.”
Supporting the UK Government’s levelling-up ambitions, this contract will support the training and development of the Royal Navy men and women who will take to the water when HMS Dreadnought enters service in the early 2030s. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
USA
09 May 22. US Naval Sea Systems Command publishes tender for DRAKE C-UAS programme. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC), Expeditionary Missions Program Office (PMS 408) is issuing a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) Increment One Block One (I1B1) and DRAKE. The deadline is May 19, 2022.
The JCREW I1B1 system, which includes three different form factors (mounted, dismounted, and fixed site), provides long term protection to U.S. forces against Radio Controlled IEDs, and a variant referred to as DRAKE provides a Counter–Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) capability to afloat and ashore forces. JCREW utilizes an open architecture System of Systems design, with common hardware and software. JCREW fulfills the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), Naval Beach Group (NBG), United States Air Force (USAF), Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and other agency requirements to replace legacy CREW systems that lack worldwide applicability.
DRAKE expands the Navy’s C-UAS capability to high priority Navy installations and ships under U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Military Sealift Command and Strategic Systems Programs. Due to the nature of this requirement, the prospective Offeror will need to demonstrate the required level of technical expertise.
Information regarding this requirement was previously posted on sam.gov under presolicitation “JCREW and DRAKE RFP” numbered N00024-22-R-6427. Please refer to solicitation “Request for Proposal: JCREW and DRAKE Program” with the solicitation number N00024-22-R-6427 on sam.gov for the most current documents and information.
The JCREW FRP solicitation documents and communications with industry will contain controlled and classified information. Offerors are required to have Defense Security Service (DSS) issued SECRET facility clearance, SECRET personnel clearances and SECRET safeguarding capability to gain access to this controlled information.
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/792a4f52de4d4e0daf15baaac12132da/view (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
REST OF THE WORLD
16 May 22. Japan partners with UK to develop successor for F-2 fighter jet. The Japanese and British governments are moving towards joint development of a successor to the F-2 fighter jet of Japan’s Air Self-Defence Force (ASDF).
The two governments are in the final coordination stage of the project, in which key components for the new fighter jet will be jointly developed British defence and aerospace firm BAE Systems, according to multiple government sources.
The engine will be developed jointly with Britain’s Rolls-Royce. US defence contractor Lockheed Martin will also take a limited role.
Tokyo will decide on the overall aspects of the project by the end of the year, the sources said.
The government intends to introduce the fighter jet in the mid-2030s when the F-2 jet will be phased out of service. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will play the lead role in designing the fuselage and developing the systems.
Regarding the engine, the Japanese and UK defence ministries have already reached an agreement to conduct empirical research ahead of joint development by major Japanese heavy machinery manufacturers IHI Corp and Rolls-Royce.
The two ministries will begin talks soon on the specific components for which BAE will be responsible, such as missile systems.
Britain is currently proceeding with the development of its next fighter jet, the Tempest, with the involvement of BAE. With the overlap of the development of the next-generation fighter jets, the countries are expected to pursue streamlining of common areas.
The Japanese government looked into receiving technical support from Lockheed Martin, developer of the F-35 stealth fighter jet, but coordination faced numerous hurdles. This included the massive amount of confidential information involved, as well as high costs and maintenance of the jets after deployment.
As such, Lockheed Martin’s involvement in the project will likely be limited to the development of functions dealing with interoperability, such as communications with US aircraft.
The ASDF’s future vision calls for a line-up of three mainstay fighters — the revamped F-15, the F-35, and the new fighter jet. The F-15 is positioned as a fourth-generation aircraft and the F-35 is a fifth-generation aircraft with a stealth function.
The successor to the F-2 fighter jet will be equipped with stealth function, as well as the ability to continue operations even if hit by electromagnetic interference.
At the current stage, Japanese fourth- and fifth-generation fighters number about 300, far less than the approximately 1,000 deployed by China. It is expected that about 90 fighters to succeed in the F-2 will be deployed.
(Source: Google/https://www.nationmultimedia.com/international/40015594)
11 May 22. New South Wales, Australia releases its 20-Year R&D Roadmap.
UK Agent General recommends it to UK businesses. The NSW Government has unveiled its long-term strategy for turning the state’s research and development (R&D) capabilities into world-leading industries and jobs for future generations. This, in turn, provides insight and reference for UK companies looking to develop business internationally says Investment New South Wales UK’s Agent General, Stephen Cartwright.
With a foreword by the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens, the NSW 20-Year R&D Roadmap provides a blueprint that will help inform the NSW Government of strategically important investments for its future economic and social wellbeing. “As our Minister says, R&D will play a crucial role in our economic growth as a key driver of new jobs, future businesses and international investment in NSW” explains Stephen Cartwright “and the UK is a key region from where we hope to attract that international investment.
The Roadmap considers six categories of competitive advantages for NSW including R&D; education; workforce; industry; innovation and natural resources. NSW is a major economic hub in the southern hemisphere and Asia-Pacific region, with an economy larger than Hong Kong and Singapore. Sydney is Australia’s largest city and ranks 24th globally for the concentration of the world’s 2000 largest public companies headquartered in the city (Forbes, Global 2000 (2021)). This is a critical competitive advantage in attracting small, medium and large businesses. Many of the Australian offices of international companies are based in Sydney due to its economic strength, access to talent and international transport connections and networks to markets across Asia Pacific.
The Roadmap provides a blueprint that signals where NSW welcomes private R&D investment and activities from businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and investors. It also identifies four key technology themes – digital, materials and chemistry, biotechnology, and energy – and 39 wide-ranging applications, including FinTech, AI and robotics, quantum computing, cyber security, nuclear science and pharmaceuticals. “My recommendation for UK companies: take a look at these focus areas. The Roadmap provides some really great market insight for any UK company looking at opportunities in Asia-Pacific” says Cartwright.
12 May 22. Navantia Australia, UGL unveil joint bid for LAND 8710-1 Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel Medium.
Dubbed the Littoral Alliance, the companies have confirmed that they are launching a joint bid for the Australian Army’s LCM-8 replacement project.
According to Navantia Australia, the proposed LMV-M solution offers a local design, build and supply chain.
Navantia Australia initially unveiled its plan to bid for the project during last year’s Land Forces Exhibition in Brisbane, showcasing a series of locally designed landing crafts.
“The partnership between Navantia Australia and UGL offers combined experience in collaborating with both Navy and Army, to deliver superior results,” Israel Lozano, managing director of Navantia Australia, said.
“Together we offer Defence a highly compliant design, cost effective delivery, surety of supply, contribution to the Naval Shipbuilding Plan and maximum Australian content.”
Doug Moss, managing director of UGL, welcomed the opportunity to enhance AIC and Australia’s sovereign naval shipbuilding capability.
“I’m pleased that UGL has teamed with Navantia Australia to bring our substantial Australian heavy manufacturing expertise and genuine Australian sovereign capability to enhance the Australian naval shipbuilding capability.”
It is expected that UGL would utilise its experience in complex project delivery in Australia’s east and west with a 6,700-strong workforce to support the delivery of the project, while Navantia Australia is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary providing engineering, design, sustainment and supply chain services to Defence.
(Source: Defence Connect)
11 May 22. Lockheed Martin Australia, Penten join forces for AIR6500.
Local cyber company Penten has been tapped by the global defence prime to deliver advanced cyber security capabilities in support of its joint ‘system of systems’ offering for the RAAF.
Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) has onboarded the support of Penten for the delivery of advanced cyber security capabilities as part of Competitive Evaluation Process Stage 2 of its bid for the Royal Australian Air Force’s Joint Air Battle Management Systems Project (AIR6500-1).
The project involves delivering a joint BMS designed to enable the ADF’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability, providing greater situational awareness and defence against current and emerging air and missile threats.
In partnering with LMA, Penten has agreed to support the investigation and design of a cyber security framework, capable of supporting risk reduction ahead of the transition into the AIR6500-1 acquisition.
The cyber security technologies will be designed to focus on sovereign secure mobility, tactical communications security, cyber deception, cryptography and applied artificial intelligence and machine learning.
These capabilities are expected to help detect, track and mitigate cyber threats, while also reinforcing the security of Lockheed Martin Australia’s open systems architecture program solution to meet emerging and future operational needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Penten’s general manager applied AI, Ben Whitham welcomed the opportunity to support LMA’s proposal to develop an advanced ‘system of systems’ for the RAAF.
“Penten is dedicated to delivering world-leading security technologies that enable the modern warfighter with information to deliver an edge and win the fight,” he said.
“We solve the most complex cyber challenges of tomorrow and are proud to design an agile cyber security framework together with Lockheed Martin Australia that will protect our nation’s sovereignty.”
Steve Froelich, Lockheed Martin Australia AIR6500 program executive said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to designing a sovereign full-spectrum capability solution to safeguard the ADF’s air battle management capability, data and information.
“Our track record in delivering complex joint all domain platforms fortified with cyber-resilient tools matched with Penten’s ground-breaking expertise in defence technologies, means we are the right partner to deliver the best Joint Air Battle Management System that will provide the ADF with persistent defence against future air and missile threats,” Froelich said. Penten is the latest of a number of companies to join the LMA-led push to secure the AIR6500 Phase 1 contract. (Source: Defence Connect)
09 May 22. Serco, Civmec partner on LAND 8710 with new joint venture.
Civmec and Serco have announced the formation of a new joint venture, dubbed the Australian Maritime Alliance, to tackle next-generation amphibious solutions for Defence.
Under the agreement, the pair are leading a team for the development of a solution for the LAND 8710-1A program, with the design of the new ‘Oboe’ Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel Medium.
Over the last 20 years, Serco has delivered 130 vessels to the Australian Commonwealth with program managers, naval architects and engineers appointed to support Defence’s naval capabilities across the country.
Meanwhile, located in Henderson, Western Australia, Civmec has invested in enhancing its shipbuilding and sustainment capabilities with a new 70-metre-high hall – supporting marine, defence and resources sectors.
“Serco and Civmec share a vision to provide the crucial leadership that the Australian shipbuilding sector requires, signalling an industry-led strategic approach to deliver and support essential sovereign military capabilities and sustainable workshare outcomes,” Serco Defence managing director Clint Thomas said.
“With Serco and Civmec’s complementary capabilities and shared community values for realising the sustained growth of Australia’s shipbuilding industry, our alliance is set to deliver proven benefits through uplifting Western Australian industry capabilities, matching Serco’s global shipbuilding expertise and reach with Civmec’s superlative workforce skills, proven technology and infrastructure capacity.”
The pair have a combined workforce of 19,000.
Chief executive of Civmec, Pat Tallon, welcomed the announcement.
“I am proud that Civmec is evolving to be a solid option for the Commonwealth as it seeks to expand on the Sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment capability. We are committed to the charge and look forward to forging strong relationships with Serco and others that are integral to meeting the demands of the ADF,” Tallon said.
“Civmec’s Henderson facility offers unmatched shipbuilding capacity to deliver for the Commonwealth’s naval shipbuilding programs and combined with our new state-of-the-art ship assembly hall, we operate the largest fabrication workshops in Australia. (Source: Defence Connect)
09 May 22. Australia unveils Romeo, Apache plan. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has detailed the government’s plans to deliver 12 additional MH-60R Romeo maritime helicopters and 29 AH-64E Apache armed reconnaissance helicopters, with deliveries expected from 2025.
The contract for the Romeos, which are scheduled to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of Taipans, is valued at over $2.5bn, with an additional $360 m earmarked for base upgrades at HMAS Albatross for the fleet.
Along with the 12 MH-60R Romeos, also known as the Seahawk, it is expected that Defence will also acquire an additional unit to substitute the helicopter that was lost in 2021.
The Commonwealth has also confirmed that it has finalised plans to acquire 29 AH-64E Apaches, to replace the Australian Army’s fleet of Tigers, at a cost of over $5.5bn.
Similar base upgrades are expected for the Australian Army, with $500m earmarked for upgrades to house the fleet.
Deliveries of the units are scheduled from 2025.
The investment is vital for guaranteeing Australian safety amid rising global uncertainty, the Prime Minister explained.
“Our world and our region are changing but we’re investing a record $270bn in the defence and security of Australia over the decade to 2030,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
“Australia and our region is now in the midst of the most consequential and challenging strategic realignment since the Second World War.
“But these investments don’t just support the Australian Defence Force, they support local jobs and skills right here.
“The more than $8bn we’re investing in helicopters and facilities means 290 new jobs on the ground for electricians, mechanics and engineers to support their maintenance, along with hundreds more jobs in the small business supply chain that supports these fleets.
“A safe and secure Australia also means a strong economy and a stronger future for defence industry jobs.”
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton continued, noting that both systems were proven and will help Australia overcome threats.
“We’re expanding the size and capability of our helicopters to meet the threats Australia faces,” Minister Dutton said.
“We’re following the 2020 Force Structure Plan that outlined the need to expand our naval operations in particular and the Romeo fits that role as a next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter and can also assist with search and rescue and transport like they have during recent bushfires and floods.
“The Apache is a proven and reliable attack helicopter which is already in use by the United States government and United Kingdom, and has improved sensors, communications and networking systems, attack capabilities and survivability.”
The Prime Minister’s plan comes nearly a year after the US State Department approved the sale of 29 Apaches to the Australian government alongside spare parts, training and operational equipment.
The deal consisted of 29 AH-64E Apache Helicopters with a number of spare parts for ongoing maintenance and sustainment of the aircraft. Additional sale items include 64 T700-GE 701D engines, of which six will be held as spare by the ADF, 29 pilot night vision sensors and radar frequency interferometers, 16 fire control radars, 70 GPS units, 35 missile warning systems and 85 Hellfire missiles. The US State Department has confirmed that there will be numerous other training aids and operational tools included in the deal.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale of the Apache to the Australian government will support strengthened interoperability between the US and Australia.
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Since 1946, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has specialized in the design, test, support and fielding of display products for use in demanding military and aerospace applications throughout the world. IEE has developed an extensive product portfolio that today includes enhanced flat panel displays, smart displays and handheld devices.
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IEE is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified.
IEE’s Advantage:
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